RACE COMMENT

OVERVIEW: Standing-start conditions for the trotters, where you can expect the likely leader after 600m to come from ALLAWART BOB (2), BROWN EYED KATE (3) and ITGETSBETTER (4), despite all being off 10 metres. However, those off the bigger handicaps have the better form. BOUTIKA (5) is one of those and will find this much more suitable than her last start at Melton. More compelling is the fact that the last time she started under standing-start conditions was at this track back in April, where she began well off the 20m handicap and beat her rivals easily. She looks well placed. JAKARTA (7) has regained some better form under standing-start conditions and won well off 30m back in July. Her starts since have been sound, so she must be considered. BARLINNE (6) ran second in that July win, and her past couple have looked tougher than this. Poor manners from the opposition bring the leaders ALLAWART BOB (2), BROWN EYED KATE (3) and ITGETSBETTER (4) into calculations, while backmarker SONAMI JOH (9) also ranks as a minor chance. BACK: BOUTIKA (5) – 2 units (win)